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Henry Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” is his views on the relationship between man and his government. He begins by saying that most governments are usually ineffective and all are sometimes. He says that a government where a majority rules isn’t just. Men should do “the right thing” before following the law. People who serve the state do so as machines and are not worthy. Those who serve the state with their “conscience” are worthy …

…are if they can be reformed. In going against men, he will stir some change. Men in history have been rare that possessed a genius. To be just, authority must be based on the consent of its subjects and only do what they deem right. He finishes by saying that if there are a few who wish to altogether alienated from the govt., this is ok and would “prepare the way” towards an ideal state.